Former President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump were observed chatting and laughing amicably ahead of the funeral ceremony for the late President Jimmy Carter.
Vice President Kamala Harris appeared to glance back at Trump and Obama as they spoke before the event at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday. Other attendees included former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, along with their spouses. Michelle Obama, however, was not present.
A C-SPAN camera captured Obama smiling and laughing at a comment from Trump. The two continued their friendly exchange as the camera rolled.
Harris, seated a few feet in front of the pair, turned back at one point to look at them before facing forward again and letting out what appeared to be a sigh.
NEW: Donald Trump seen cracking jokes with former President Barack Obama at Jimmy Carter’s funeral in Washington D.C.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 9, 2025
Kamala Harris was seen looking back as the two men appeared to be getting along. pic.twitter.com/dHrB2m7GZi
Only on rare occasions are all living U.S. presidents seen together, offering the public a glimpse of their interactions.
The state funeral for President Carter took place Thursday morning at the Washington National Cathedral. Afterward, Carter’s body was transported to his hometown of Plains, Georgia, where a private ceremony at Maranatha Baptist Church was held.
In Plains, Carter’s body was honored with a U.S. Navy flyover in recognition of his military service and his role as commander-in-chief. He was interred beside his wife, Rosalynn Carter, following a private graveside ceremony.
Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, just months after turning 100, was uniquely honored with posthumous eulogies from former President Gerald Ford and former Vice President Walter Mondale. Both men had written eulogies for Carter before their deaths, which were delivered by their sons, Steven Ford and Ted Mondale.
